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To: Desdemona; RobbyS
I think RobS alludes to some really AWFUL stuff used as hymnody during the '20's, '30's, and forward. "Mother Dear, O Pray for Me" is an outstanding example of music better left in a dumpster on Tin Pan Alley.

In much of this hymnody, the HEART is emphasized at the expense of the MIND. Bear in mind that Pius X's definition required both mind and heart to be elevated. One can argue that hymnody is not 'sacred music,' and that is true. However, some of the slop managed to crawl into genuine sacred music (used for text of the Mass, e.g., Kyrie, Gloria, etc.) and resulted in the creation of the "White List," which was a national effort to define music which could be used for Mass. (Obviously, music NOT on the list was 'blacklisted.')

The StLouisJesuit music is a continuation of the FrFaber (also a Jebbie) smarmy, estrogen-driven emotionalism. There is a school of thought (and I am a member) that this garbage is one reason why men tend to stay away from Mass.

Chant would fix that, but there is plenty of GOOD stuff available which at least begins to engage the mind. That is easy to define--it must have proper musical form and be 'universal,' (another quality demanded by PiusX)--not just appealing to one group or another.

PiusX's summary was in effect that 'the more it is based on Chant, the better it is,' meaning that it should have the ethereal (not earth-bound) quality of genuine Chant.
72 posted on 01/19/2003 5:19:44 AM PST by ninenot
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To: ninenot
This weekend at the two Masses I attended - pro-life yesterday, Sunday this morning - Be Not Afraid, On Eagle's Wings, Sing a New Song, and the Mass of Creation.

I have to go listen to Beethoven now.
76 posted on 01/19/2003 10:46:39 AM PST by Desdemona (Pro-Life march yesterday - we outnumbered the other side 25-1. In the snow.)
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